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Genesis to replace Jaws of Life in PT
(by Brandi Daniels, staff writer - March 04, 2011)
Prairie Township’s “Jaws of Life” rescue tool is being retired with a newer and better model known as the Genesis.
The Prairie Township Fire Department purchased the Genesis tool that will be placed on front of the new fire truck purchased in December.
The Genesis tool was originally supposed to be included in the purchase of the fire truck, but the tool vendor’s information was not ready to be presented at the township meeting when the fire engine was proposed.
Instead, the township board approved the purchase of the Genesis for a total cost of $24,995 at the Feb. 23 trustee meeting.
The “Jaws of Life” Amkus rescue tool had been used in Prairie Township for more than 18 years. Fire Chief Steve Feustel said the extrication tools today have to meet the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1936 standards, which weren’t designed when the township’s Amkus was built.
“This tool was an excellent choice in its day, but has now fallen behind in its ability to cut through the new hybrid metals being used by today’s auto manufacturers,” Feustel said.
The Genesis system by Howell Rescue Systems will be placed on the front of the fire truck. It will provide two working tools that are capable of working at the same time - allowing shorter extrication times.
“It has been known for a couple of years that we needed to upgrade,” Feustel said. “This became more apparent at an accident off of West Broad Street where we had prolonged extrication due to cutters not being able to make it through the B post on the car.”
The new tool is able to spread eight inches as opposed to the four inches the “Jaws of Life” could spread. The new tool has a cutting force of 236,000 pounds, versus the 58,000 to 60,000 pounds the other tool could handle.
“A portable pump will allow off-the-road use while still supporting two tools at once,” Feustel said. “We also have the ability to change tools without draining pressure off of the line from the pump. These are time savings that will help remove and transport the victim to the hospital sooner and protect their ‘Golden Hour’ of life.”
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